GE Healthcare's Innova Integrates Volcano's Ultrasound

An intravascular ultrasound imaging lab developed by Volcano Corp. (Rancho Cordova, CA, USA) has been integrated into GE Healthcare's (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) Innova all-digital x-ray cath lab imaging system.

GE Healthcare reported that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has recently approved the combination of Volcano's technology and a GE imaging system that is expected to improve the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The companies will commercialize the integrated system under the name Innova IVUS. The system is made possible, in part, due to Volcano's latest personal computer- (PC)-based intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) platform that reduces the size, weight, and noise of the IVUS console, allowing the unit to be located in the control room or in other areas outside of the daily traffic pattern of the cath lab.

With integrated IVUS, clinicians are expected to have easier access to imaging tools that can help them better determine the extent of cardiovascular disease and assist in performing therapeutic procedures such as stent placement and assessment, GE Healthcare said. These tools are also intended to help physicians determine the length of lesion as well as optimal stent length and diameter.

GE Healthcare and Volcano entered into a supply and distribution agreement in March 2006.



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